LET’S SHOW AS MUCH PASSION AS BOSS - BAMBA

SKIPPER Sol Bamba has called on his Leeds United team-mates to match the passion of new head coach Steve Evans if they are to be successful.

The former Rotherham United boss won two promotions in three full campaigns with the Millers and will seek to rejuvenate Leeds in similar fashion after his appointment at Elland Road.

Evans had Chris Wood to thank for his first point at the club, with the New Zealand international converting a second-half penalty in the 1-1 draw at Fulham.

But Ivory Coast international Bamba (pictured) believes Evans’ contagious enthusiasm off the field can help push United forward after a turbulent start to the season.

“He’s a very passionate manager and that’s the message he gave us,” said the 30-year-old.

“We need to play with passion for the club, and that’s what we showed on Wednesday at Fulham.”

The draw at Craven Cottage – Leeds’ sixth of the season – left them in 18th place in the Championship table ahead of the weekend.

“We only had two days with the manager before the Fulham game and the performance says it all about the team’s character,” said the former Leicester City centre-back.

“He’s been successful everywhere he’s been, so all we can do is give him a chance and see what he can do for us.”

Evans arrived in farcical circumstances, with Leeds owner Massimo Cellino suspended just minutes after the 52year-old’s appointment.

The eccentric Italian owner was disqualified by the Football League for failing the owners’ and directors’ test for the second time in a year.

But the Leeds captain is adamant that the players can ignore the club’s boardroom dramatics and shoot for a top-ten spot this season.

He added:“If we can be in the mix for the playoffs then that would be good, but the target has to be better than last season (15th), and then we kick on from there.”